Sri Lanka, India pledge deeper tourism cooperation

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says India remains Sri Lanka's largest source market, with arrivals rising sharply due to visa-free entry and targeted promotions Highlights niche focus areas including MICE, destination weddings, wellness, adventure, film tourism and Buddhist and Ramayana circuits Invites more Indian filmmakers and investors to consider Sri Lanka for hospitality projects, events and film production Asserts Sri Lanka-India cooperation is strongest it has ever been Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha says India's outbound travel reached 30 m travellers in 2024, making it the world’s fifth largest outbound market, with figure expected to double within a decade Notes that if even 1% of India's 2.5 b domestic trips shift overseas to Sri Lanka, it would equal 25 m visitors, 60 times current Indian arrivals Says Indian investors are increasing interest in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, with major brands like Taj and ITC boosting country’s global appeal

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

SRI Lanka and India yesterday renewed their commitment to elevate bilateral tourism cooperation to new heights, with both countries highlighting unprecedented growth in arrivals, enhanced connectivity, and expanding cultural linkages at the India-Sri Lanka Tourism Connect forum titled “From the Ganges to the Kelani: A Voyage of Friendship and Discovery.”

Speaking at the event, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said the two countries, bound by shared history, culture, and longstanding people-to-people ties, were natural partners in the travel industry.

He noted that India has firmly established itself as Sri Lanka's largest source market, supported by improved connectivity and strong cubual affinity.

To reach the ambitious tourism goals, Herath said Sri Lankais prioritising sustainability market diversification enhanced air and sea connectivity, and digital transformation, induding aligning with global frameworks such as the Declaration on the Future of Tourism, which promotes integrating Artificial Intelligence (A) and digital tools into national planning.

The Minister said Indian arrivals had "increased notably" in recent months, aided by visa-free entry and targeted promotional campaigns positioning Sri Lanka among the top short-haul destinations for Indian travellers.

He asserted that Sri Lanka is pushing niche segments including serene beaches, heritage tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, destination weddings, wellness, adventure, film tourism, and culinary experiences.